Blog - North Light Financial Services

Getting off on the Right Foot in 2012: Estate & Gift Taxes

At the end of 2012, some very nice estate tax breaks could sunset. Barring action by Congress, 2013 could see a 20% leap in the federal estate tax rate from 35% to 55%. The individual estate tax exclusion (currently $5.12 million) is scheduled to be reduced to $1 million.1 As we have unified gift and estate tax rates, those numbers and percentages also apply to gift taxes. That is, from 2012 to 2013 top federal gift tax rate is set [...]

By info@northlightfinancialservices.com|2017-03-28T08:17:34-04:00February 21st, 2012|Estate Planning|Comments Off

Getting off on the Right Foot in 2012: Income Taxes

Wealthy Americans are set to face greater income tax burdens in 2013, so 2012 may be the last year to take advantage of certain factors. For example, the top tax bracket in 2013 is slated to be at 39.6% instead of the current 35%. This year, capital gains and dividends will be taxed at 15% or less for everyone, 0% for those in the 10% and 15% tax brackets. In 2013, the qualified capital gains tax rate is scheduled to [...]

By info@northlightfinancialservices.com|2017-03-28T08:17:34-04:00February 14th, 2012|Income Taxes|Comments Off

Getting Off on the Right Foot in 2012: Retirement Plans

401(k), 403(b) and 457 plan annual contribution limits rise slightly to $17,000, and you can contribute an additional $5,500 to these accounts if you are 50 or older this year. IRA contribution levels are unchanged from 2011: the ceiling is $5,000, $6,000 if you will be 50 or older in 2012.1 As you strive to contribute as much as you comfortably can to these accounts this year, you will probably notice some changes with the retirement plan at your workplace. [...]

By info@northlightfinancialservices.com|2017-03-28T08:17:35-04:00February 7th, 2012|401(k)/403(b), IRA, Retirement|Comments Off